The first-year Florida coach uses countless methods to encourage, energize and entice players to improve every aspect of their lives. He has the revered "Champions Club." He has the renowned "Circle of Life." He has hell lifts, rookie stripes and "The Pit."

He also has proven results.

Although his ways are more reminiscent of a high school team than an NFL program, they helped Meyer turn around Bowling Green (2001-02) and Utah (2003-04).

They could do the same for the Gators, who lost 15 games the last three years and most of the swagger and confidence that defined them during the 1990s.

"There are no secrets, no gimmicks, no tricks," co-defensive coordinator Greg Mattison says. "Players will play hard when they know their coach is giving them everything and is trying to make each player the best he can be. That's all it is."

Meyer started changing things when he arrived in January. His first goal was to familiarize himself with players and see if they were "living right." He hosted several cookouts and began dropping by players' apartments and dormitories with little or no warning.

Assistants put together detailed lists about their players, something Meyer had to do under legendary Ohio State coach Earle Bruce.

"You get so tight with your players that they can't let you down," associate head coach Doc Holliday says. "They don't want to let you down. They're going to play for you. That's why we do all we do."

The hands-on approach allowed Meyer to learn a lot about his players early.

He even broke them down into three academic categories: scarlet, red and gold. Scarlet players are monitored constantly to make sure they're attending classes. Red players are watched closely. Gold players aren't checked and don't have to attend study hall.

He also established a rewards program called the "Champions Club," reserved for players who excel in the classroom, in offseason conditioning workouts and in their personal lives.

Four times a year, members of the Champions Club are treated to a steak dinner served on fine china with linen tablecloths. Those not in the club also attend the dinner, but they eat hot dogs and potato salad on paper plates and get stuck cleaning up.

"You never have to worry about motivation with coach Meyer," tight end Tate Casey says. "He always has that part covered. He's going to motivate you, he's going to get you going. If he can't, then nobody can."